Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Dar es Salaam. They wrote...
"Learning to be more patient; having things not happen as quickly as I am used to," remarked another expat who made the move to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
"Expats in Dar es Salaam may find the local culture challenging in several ways. They may struggle with the language barrier, as Swahili is the primary language spoken in Tanzania, and not everyone speaks English fluently. This can make communication and daily tasks difficult. Another challenge could be adjusting to the slower pace of life, known as "pole pole" in Swahili. Tanzanians value taking their time and being patient, which can be frustrating for expats who are used to a faster pace. Additionally, expats may find it difficult to navigate the complex social hierarchies and norms in Tanzania. Respect for elders and authority figures is deeply ingrained in the culture, and it is important to understand and adhere to these expectations. The concept of personal space may also be different in Tanzania, with people often standing closer to each other than expats may be accustomed to. This can be uncomfortable for some individuals. Furthermore, expats may find it challenging to adapt to the local cuisine, which is heavily based on starches like rice, maize, and cassava, and may not always cater to diverse dietary preferences or restrictions. Lastly, the lack of infrastructure and reliable public services, such as transportation, healthcare, and electricity, can be frustrating for expats who are used to more developed systems in their home countries," explained one expat living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Dar es Salaam?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Dar es Salaam?
- Will I be able to find a job in Dar es Salaam?
- What is life like in Dar es Salaam?
- What do expats in Dar es Salaam appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Dar es Salaam?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Dar es Salaam accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Dar es Salaam like?
- What are healthcare services like in Dar es Salaam?
- What are medical services in Dar es Salaam like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Dar es Salaam?
- What are emergency services like in Dar es Salaam?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Dar es Salaam?
- How are local medical facilities in Dar es Salaam?
- As a foreigner living in Dar es Salaam, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Dar es Salaam, newcomers to Dar es Salaam would love to hear your answer to this question.
